Portable in big trouble over ‘Kuku do Ritual’ song

Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has often been in the news, mostly for the wrong reasons due to his antics one and off the stage. Because of his controversial comments, he has been invited for questioning by the police on different occasions.

However, it doesn’t seem like the singer has any plan to shy away from controversies. One of his latest songs titled, ‘Kuku do Ritual’, has been widely criticised for its negative message of acquiring wealth by all means, including doing money rituals. Considering the rising cases of ritual killings and other forms of moral decadence in the country, stakeholders in the industry have stated that the singer should be called to order.

Condemning the song, the Muslim Rights Concern, called on security agencies to investigate the song and the singer.

A statement released by the organisation read in part, “Popular pop singer, Habeeb Okikiola, has released a new album (sic) under (sic) the title, ‘Kuku Do Ritual’, in which part of the lyrics say, ‘Kuku do ritual. If you do ritual, you go die. If you no do ritual, you go die. Kuku do ritual’.

“We find this song disgusting, detestable and egregious. It is a brazen assault on Nigerian and African values. Portable’s latest song has reduced human life to the level of ordinary ants that can be stamped out under human feet without qualms and without consequences.

“This song has the capacity to influence our young ones in a negative manner. It is also capable of destroying the future of the youth. Something must be done urgently.”

Meanwhile, an entertainment lawyer, Femi Njoku, noted that though artistes should be allowed to express their creativity however they see fit, if music is inimical to societal growth and advancement, it is only proper for it to be regulated. He told our correspondent, “I am a big believer in not limiting the creative license of anybody, as long as whatever they are doing is not illegal. Punch